Cancer is scary and ovarian cancer even more so, because its symptoms often go undetected or misdiagnosed. That’s why Turn The Towns Teal takes place each year (this will be the sixth for the event; the third in Asheville), to raise awareness.
According to a press release, Turn The Towns Teal was was founded by Gail MacNeil of Chatham, N.J. “During Gail’s 10-year battle with ovarian cancer, she realized first-hand that not enough was being done to publicize the symptoms of the disease. She wanted to spare others what she and her family endured. Gail was fastidious about her health and went to her gynecologist on three separate occasions complaining of classic symptoms; however, her doctor dismissed these symptoms as merely the onset of middle age. On Dec. 23, 1997, Gail was diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer. There is no early detection test for ovarian cancer which is why this campaign is so very, very critical in fighting the disease.”
MacNeil’s daughter, Karen, organizes the Asheville campaign, which takes place this Saturday, Sept. 1. Volunteers will decorate trees around downtown Asheville with teal ribbons; businesses are also asked to participate (contact Karen MacNeil through the Facebook event page, here).
Potential symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
• Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
• Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea and indigestion
• Frequency and/or urgency of urination in the absence of an infection
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
• Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness
• Ongoing unusual fatigue
• Menstrual changes
• Pain during sex
• Back painAsheville
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